Augusta National is not in the LPGA’s 2013 rotation and may never be. But that doesn’t mean tour commissioner Michael Whan can’t rhapsodize about his passion for fielding a women’s event at the iconic home of the Masters.
“I’m a golf guy, I love golf, and one of the greatest platforms in the game is Augusta National,” Whan told us Tuesday after releasing a 28-event schedule for the coming season. “Whether you like their member policy, don’t like their member policy, like their tournament or don’t like their tournament, if you don’t respect what an incredible platform that is for the best men in the world, you’re not paying attention.”
As head of the LPGA, Whan would like nothing more than to offer players like Yani Tseng, Stacy Lewis, and Lexi Thompson the chance to compete at one of golf’s most enduring landmarks.
“I’d like to see the best women in the world tested by that same platform,” said Whan, who was eager to credit club executives for their ongoing support of women’s golf.
“Not enough is written about how much Augusta National does to grow the game, not just in the states, but worldwide,” said Whan, who does not belong to the exclusive enclave that admitted its first two women members last year. “They write us a pretty significant six-figure check every year to help the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program and never publicize that.”
The commish also had a message for those who wondered if he would accept an invitation to stage a tour event at a club with so few women members.
“When they’re ready, we’re coming,” he said. “I’d be there before we got off the phone.”
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